Vertical Split Rims (VSRs) are one of the leading causes for wheel removals in North American freight rail service. The Federal Railroad Administration funded a research effort in which a group of researchers and subject matter experts explored a better understanding of VSRs using finite element analysis (FEA). The analysis was intended to identify the relative contributions of factors that can lead to VSR failures with a goal of establishing approaches to minimizing derailments associated with these wheel failures. In February 2016, researchers established a multi-phase research program to comprehensively understand various wheel failure mechanisms, identify major contributing factors, arrive at potential strategies to mitigate the failures, and consequently improve the safety of rail network operations. Since the beginning of this effort, research has been conducted under the guidance of a stakeholder working group made up of members of the Association of American Railroads, North American wheel manufacturers, and researchers.